Robert Edward Neal, Jr., 78, passed away Friday, December 10, 2021. He was born November 9, 1943, in Muskogee, OK a son of the late Robert Edward Neal, Sr. and Julia McLendon Neal. He is also preceded in death by his step-mother Margaret Clifton Neal. A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 15, 2021 in the Monroe Cemetery (Suncrest), 891 Bickett Street, Monroe, NC 28112. The family will visit with friends and relatives immediately following the burial. Robert moved to Monroe in 1951 and graduated from Monroe High School in 1962. He proudly served his country in the US Air Force, where he worked on SR-71 Blackbird Spy Plane. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary Keever Neal; many special cousins and relatives and lots of cats, dogs and raccoons. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Neal family.